The rivalry between England and India in Test cricket has produced many unforgettable performances. This article highlights the Most Runs in a Series for England vs India in Tests, showcasing the top run-scorers in a single Test series between the two cricketing giants. These batting marvels didn’t just score runs they dominated the series, often turning the tide in their team’s favor. From the classic 90s era to modern-day showdowns, let’s look at the most powerful batting performances in this iconic contest.
List of Top 10 Players with Most Runs in a Series for England vs India in Tests
10. VL Manjrekar (India)
VL Manjrekar’s name appears on the list of Most runs in a series for England vs India in Tests with 586 runs scored during the 1952/53 series in England. Manjrekar’s batting was full of elegance and resilience. His unbeaten 189 helped India stand firm against strong English bowling attacks. His four half-centuries show his consistency in that series.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 586 | 189* | N/A | 1 | 4 |
9. Virat Kohli – 593 Runs (2018)
Virat Kohli faced immense pressure ahead of the 2018 England tour, but he answered critics in style. Battling in swinging conditions, Kohli stood tall with outstanding consistency. In 10 innings, he accumulated 593 runs. His confidence at the crease and ability to anchor innings made this series one of his finest performances outside India. His 149 at Edgbaston was a masterclass in resilience and determination. This incredible performance places him among those with the Most runs in a series for England vs India in Tests.
Virat Kohli faced immense pressure ahead of the 2018 England tour, but he answered critics in style. Battling in swinging conditions, Kohli stood tall with outstanding consistency. In 10 innings, he accumulated 593 runs. His confidence at the crease and ability to anchor innings made this series one of his finest performances outside India. His 149 at Edgbaston was a masterclass in resilience and determination.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 593 | 149 | 57.85 | 2 | 3 |
8. Ken Barrington – 594 Runs (1961/62)
Ken Barrington was a pillar of England’s batting in the early 60s. In the 1961/62 tour of India, Barrington showcased unmatched patience and technique on spin-friendly pitches. His 594 runs included three centuries and one half-century. Barrington’s temperament and shot selection allowed him to handle India’s spinners with finesse. His highest score in that series was 172. This remarkable effort earned him a place among players with the Most runs in a series for England vs India in Tests.
Ken Barrington was a pillar of England’s batting in the early 60s. In the 1961/62 tour of India, Barrington showcased unmatched patience and technique on spin-friendly pitches. His 594 runs included three centuries and one half-century. Barrington’s temperament and shot selection allowed him to handle India’s spinners with finesse. His highest score in that series was 172.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
| 5 | 594 | 172 | N/A | 3 | 1 |
7. Rahul Dravid – 602 Runs (2002)
Known as “The Wall,” Rahul Dravid delivered a batting masterclass during India’s 2002 tour of England. Scoring 602 runs in just 6 innings, he showed supreme concentration and technical brilliance. His 217 at The Oval remains one of his finest overseas knocks. Dravid’s consistency and discipline were key reasons India competed strongly in that series. His brilliant performance rightly features in the list of Most runs in a series for England vs India in Tests.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
| 4 | 602 | 217 | 45.05 | 3 | 1 |
6. Shubman Gill – 607 Runs (2025)
Shubman Gill came into his own during the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. In just 3 matches, he scored a brilliant 607 runs, including a spectacular 269. His aggressive yet composed approach helped him dominate the English bowlers. Gill’s ability to pace the innings and shift gears made him one of India’s most reliable top-order players. His name shines among those with the Most runs in a series for England vs India in Tests.
Shubman Gill came into his own during the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. In just 3 matches, he scored a brilliant 607 runs, including a spectacular 269. His aggressive yet composed approach helped him dominate the English bowlers. Gill’s ability to pace the innings and shift gears made him one of India’s most reliable top-order players.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
| 3 | 607 | 269 | 71.83 | 3 | 0 |
5. Michael Vaughan – 615 Runs (2002)
Michael Vaughan was at his best in the 2002 series against India. With 615 runs in 7 innings, Vaughan played with elegance and authority. His 197 at Trent Bridge was an innings full of classic cover drives and fine footwork. Vaughan’s run-scoring spree proved decisive in England’s campaign. His dominant show places him in the ranks of Most runs in a series for England vs India in Tests.
Michael Vaughan was at his best in the 2002 series against India. With 615 runs in 7 innings, Vaughan played with elegance and authority. His 197 at Trent Bridge was an innings full of classic cover drives and fine footwork. Vaughan’s run-scoring spree proved decisive in England’s campaign.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
| 4 | 615 | 197 | 68.25 | 3 | 1 |
4. Virat Kohli – 655 Runs (2016/17)
In the 2016/17 home series, Virat Kohli was in unstoppable form. He racked up 655 runs in just 8 innings, including a mammoth 235. Kohli’s domination of both pace and spin underlined his brilliance on Indian pitches. His aggressive mindset combined with solid technique made this series unforgettable for Indian fans. This makes Kohli a strong figure among those with the Most runs in a series for England vs India in Tests.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
| 5 | 655 | 235 | 60.87 | 2 | 2 |
3. Yashasvi Jaiswal – 712 Runs (2023/24)
Yashasvi Jaiswal stunned the cricket world with his fearless batting during the 2023/24 home series. Scoring 712 runs with two centuries and three fifties, he also smashed 26 sixes—a record in the context of this list. Jaiswal’s explosive style brought new energy to India’s top order and made him an overnight star. His name is proudly listed among the Most runs in a series for England vs India in Tests.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
| 5 | 712 | 214* | 79.91 | 2 | 3 |
2. Joe Root – 737 Runs (2021–2022)
Joe Root was England’s backbone during the Pataudi Trophy in 2021-22. Scoring 737 runs with 4 centuries, Root played with flair and control. Whether it was countering spin in India or handling swing in England, Root displayed masterful adaptability. His 180* in the series was a highlight of his career. This phenomenal series cements his place in the Most runs in a series for England vs India in Tests list.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
| 5 | 737 | 180* | 63.04 | 4 | 1 |
1. Graham Gooch – 752 Runs (1990)
Topping the list is Graham Gooch, whose legendary 1990 series remains the gold standard. With a staggering 752 runs in just 3 Tests, including a 333-run innings, Gooch set an unbreakable benchmark. He attacked, defended, and led from the front. His contribution in that series is still celebrated as one of the greatest in cricket history. Gooch sits at the top among those with the Most runs in a series for England vs India in Tests.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
| 3 | 752 | 333 | 62.09 | 3 | 2 |
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FAQ
Q1. Who scored the most runs in a single series between England and India?
A: Graham Gooch scored 752 runs in the 1990 series, the highest by any player.
Q2. Which Indian player has the highest runs in a Test series vs England?
A: Yashasvi Jaiswal with 712 runs in the 2023/24 series.
Q3. How many centuries did Joe Root score in the 2021–22 Pataudi Trophy?
A: He scored 4 centuries.
Q4. Did Shubman Gill score 607 runs in one or two different series?
A: He scored 607 runs across two overlapping series in 2025.
Q5. Which player had the highest individual score in a series?
A: Graham Gooch with 333 runs in one innings.
